Is your dog a genius? 3 easy IQ tests you can do in your living room đŸ§ đŸŸ

Mar 3, 2026

We've all asked ourselves the question: is my partner an unappreciated genius capable of solving quantum equations, or is he simply
 very "Goofy" ?

If your dog finds a crumb of cheese in a crevice of the sofa in three seconds, but gets stuck behind an open curtain, this article is for you. Canine intelligence lies in the ability to solve problems.

đŸ› ïž The necessary equipment

  • A large, clean bath towel.
  • "High value" treats (the kind that make your whiskers twitch).
  • Two toys your dog is familiar with.
  • A stopwatch.

Test #1: The Towel Ninja đŸ„·

This test measures your dog's ability to adapt to and solve an unusual physical problem.

The protocol: Gently place the towel over his head and back, so that he can no longer see anything, and start the timer.

The verdict:

  • Less than 15 seconds: A true genius! He freed himself instantly.
  • 15 to 60 seconds: Normal intelligence. He takes his time, but he gets there.
  • More than a minute: Officially "Goofy". He's waiting for the situation to resolve itself (or he's fallen asleep underneath).

Test #2: The Couch Puzzle đŸ›‹ïž

This test assesses dexterity and the use of its paws as tools.

The protocol: Place a treat under a piece of furniture that is low enough so that its head cannot fit through, but high enough to slip a paw through.

The verdict:

  • Uses its paw immediately: Excellent body awareness. Score of 10/10!
  • He forces it with his muzzle, then uses his paw: He's a go-getter who eventually starts to think.
  • Bark or look at you in distress: Delegation strategy. Why work when a human can do it? It's a form of social intelligence.

Test #3: The Vocabulary Teacher 🧾

Here, we test semantic memory and concentration.

The protocol: Place two separate toys (e.g., "Ball" and "Squeaky toy") 3 meters apart. Ask: "Bring the ball!"

The verdict:

  • Never makes a mistake: Vocabulary worthy of a 3-year-old. Impressive!
  • Bring back the first one he finds: Guided by enthusiasm. It's the heart that speaks.
  • Runs off with the toy and never comes back: Congratulations, you have a real dog.

So, genius or goofy?

Regardless of the outcome, remember that the most important intelligence is its ability to make us happy. A dog that fails the towel test is often the one that makes us laugh the most every day!

💡 How to boost your brainpower? Mental stimulation is just as tiring (if not more so) than a long walk. Training through play is the key to helping your champion improve.

Photo source: freepik Benzoix, freepik